Computer Science, BA Major in

The BA major in computer science program has two tracks: general (I) and individual (II).

The general track follows the traditional computer science curriculum. The individual track allows for a partially individualized program of study in which a student would take, with the same computer science faculty member, 9 s.h. of independent study/senior design courses designed to accommodate the interests of both student and faculty member. Apart from the difference in the 9 s.h. of individualized study, the two tracks are identical. Note that there is a single BA degree program; no separate designation for the individual track will appear on the student’s transcript.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the BA in computer science program will:

Advance in graduate studies or be successful practitioners in applied or theoretical fields;

Apply communication and organizational skills in the context of ethical issues affecting the discipline or society;

Think critically and creatively to solve local or global problems and become lifelong learners and contributors to society;

Apply knowledge and skills to solve problems effectively and efficiently and to advance computer science in applied areas.

General Track (I) Program Requirements

Candidates for graduation must complete computer science requirements, mathematics and natural science requirements, and the general BA degree requirements. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses required for the major. An overall average of C or better is required in CSC 014, 015, 016, and 024 for continuation in the major. In addition, a student may not take any of these four courses more than twice.

Individual Track (II) Program Requirements

Candidates for graduation must complete computer science requirements, mathematics and natural science requirements, and the general BA degree requirements. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses required for the major. An overall average of C or better is required in CSC 014, 015 and 016, for continuation in the major. In addition, a student may not take any of these four courses more than twice.

CSC 143 A-Z and 144 A-Z, 197A and 197B allow students to find a mentor and build a lasting relationship with a faculty member. Students will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Hofstra professor and explore advanced and exciting computing areas that are not covered in traditional courses, or to tailor their BA computing degree to their individual interdisciplinary interests and relate them to computing. The individualized program must be coordinated and approved by the BA program director.

Oral Communication For Both Tracks

All candidates for both tracks for the BA major in Computer Science are required to take, in partial fulfillment of the humanities distribution requirement and in fulfillment of the departmental oral communication requirement, either RHET 001 or 007.

For both tracks, see BA Requirements

OLIC & CLIC

Option in Leadership and Innovation in Computing (OLIC)

Like the Concentration in Leadership and Innovation in Computing (CLIC), the option targets students who are interested in pursuing innovations in the computing field that can have an impact on society. Through an intensive, 9-semester-hour program, students in the option will be taught to identify and pursue innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in high-technology computing areas, to develop basic skills needed to start their own company or to work for a start-up company, and to work effectively in globally distributed teams. This option is particularly suited for Computer Engineering students whose program permits only a limited number of free electives. The option does not include the business courses offered by the Zarb School of Business that are part of the concentration.

Students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering who have successfully completed CSC 014, 015 and 016 , and have an overall average of at least C in these courses, are eligible to declare the option. If interested, they should speak with the program coordinator prior to declaring the option.

OLIC Requirements - Semester Hours: 9

1. Major requirements

All the requirements for the major in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

(b) Two senior seminar courses - Semester Hours: 1

to be paired with the Independent Senior Design courses: in one semester a student must take simultaneously an Independent Senior Design Course and a Senior Seminar course. Interested students will have the opportunity to work in globally distributed teams.

5. Grade requirement

All courses in the option must be taken with a grade of C- or better.

Concentration in Leadership and Innovation in Computing (CLIC)

This concentration targets students who are interested in pursuing innovations in the computing field that can have an impact on society, who want to bridge their technical degree with business, and who are motivated to further increase their knowledge of the entrepreneurship and business functions of the computing industry. Students will be taught to identify and pursue innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in high-tech computing areas, to understand the computing business environment and the roles of core business divisions (such as marketing and accounting), to integrate entrepreneurial and computing skills, and to work effectively in globally distributed teams.

Students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, who have successfully completed CSC 014, 015, and 016 and have an overall average of at least C in these courses, are eligible to declare the concentration. If interested, they should speak with the program coordinator prior to declaring the concentration.

CLIC Requirements - Semester Hours: 18

1. Major Requirements

All the requirements for the major in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

2. The following four courses offered by the Zarb School of Business*:

B. Two Senior Seminar Courses

NOTE: to be paired with the Independent Senior Design course. In both semesters students must take simultaneously an Independent Senior Design Course and a Senior Seminar course. Interested students will have the opportunity to work on globally distributed teams.

5. Grade requirement

All courses in the concentration must be taken with a grade of C- or better.

Footnotes (*/**/***)

*Non-business majors may take no more than 25 percent of their course work in business subjects.

**IT 014, usually a prerequisite for ENTR 120 and ACCT 101, is waived for Computer Science students enrolled in CLIC.

Concentration in Gaming and Graphics

The Concentration in Gaming and Graphics is aimed at educating students in the design and development of video games and game engines. This is a very exciting and growing industry. Video games have permeated all segments of population and industry from entertainment to educational. All courses in this concentration include a significant experiential component.

Students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, who have successfully completed CSC 014, 015, 016, and 017 and have an overall average of at least C in these courses, are eligible to register for this concentration.

Second Semester:

Concentration in Networking and Cybersecurity

The concentration in Networking and Cybersecurity is aimed at educating students in the growing field of cybersecurity. Security of data and computer systems is one of the most important topics in today’s online world. Any application or system must have ways to prevent and protect from cyber attacks, to allow secure access and protection of data stored in distributed locations accessible online. Courses in this concentration offer a hands-on approach to learning networking, security and systems programming. All courses include a significant experiential component.

Students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, who have successfully completed CSC 014, 015, 016, and 017 and have an overall average of at least C in these courses, are eligible to complete this concentration.

Second Semester:

Concentration in Web and Mobile Engineering

The concentration in Web and Mobile Engineering is aimed at educating students in the field of Web and mobile computer applications. This is a continually growing and changing field. Almost all computer applications must provide access on the Web and/or mobile devices. Courses in this concentration offer a hands-on approach to learning Web and mobile programming.

Students majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, who have successfully completed CSC 014, 015, 016, and 017 and have an overall average of at least C in these courses, are eligible to register for this concentration.